Junior Activities (Nippers)

The JAC Season Calendar is a month-by-month guide to support JACs manage their season.

The Junior Activity Chair (JAC) plans and coordinates the junior activities, including nippers for their club in a season. The position description outlines roles and responsibilities for the JAC.

Formal training is provided to Junior Activity Chairs to equip them with the skills, knowledge, experience and understanding to manage the efficient, effective, and safe running of Nippers. Training for JACs is completed online via eLearning in the SLS Hub.

The organisation’s Child Safe Program provides a framework of policies, procedures, resources and education to support clubs in meeting this commitment.

Some of the key links and resources that you will need to be aware of are listed below:

• SLSA Policy 6.04 – Child Safe Policy
• Child Safe Program – Club Handbook & Guideline
• SLSA Policy 6.05 – Member Protection
• SLSA Policy 6.06 – Complaints Resolution Policy
• Working with Children Requirements
• SLSA Policy 6.21 – Photography

Age Managers are the volunteers who deliver the Nippers program to children aged between 5-13 years. They create a fun, safe learning environment while developing future surf lifesavers through the building of knowledge, skills and confidence. Age Managers should reference the Age Guides in planning their weekly program.

Clubs are encouraged to promote a uniform for Age Managers to ensure they are easily identifiable for nippers, parents and members of the public. Age Manager uniforms are also a great sponsorship opportunity! Uniforms should follow sun safety guidelines and include a broad brim hat, long sleeve shirt or rash vest branded with ‘Age Manager’, long shorts and protective sunglasses.

You can access the Age Manager Position description here.

To become an Age Manager or learn more about Age Manager Training check out the Age Manager Course information in the Junior Activity Handbook.

Our friends over at Surf Life Saving QLD have created a series of short, simple videos designed to help Age Managers, parents, and club volunteers feel confident running Nippers sessions. Each video clearly shows how to set up and deliver important Nippers activities, from beach sprints and wading to relays and basic water safety skills.

These videos are easy to follow, so even if you’re new to Nippers, you’ll feel supported and ready to go. They’re perfect for training, planning sessions, or just building your confidence with Nippers!

Access these resources HERE

Surf Life Saving Queensland has created an exciting resource that can be utilised by Junior Activities Age Managers, Junior Coaches, and Trainers. The games outlined in the manual are a supplement to the JAC and can introduce recreation, leadership, and fun into the nippers program.

Access the Games Manual HERE

Lifesaving Victoria also has a range of nipper games that support the delivery of nippers and junior activity information aligned to the JDR (Junior Development Resource).

Access the LSV Nipper Games HERE

Use the links below to access the relevant Age Guides for each age group. Additional resources such as work sheets, record sheets and award summaries can be found via the SLS Hub.

• U6 – Age Guide
• U7 – Age Guide
• U8 – Age Guide
• U9 – Age Guide
• U10 – Age Guide
• U11 – Age Guide
• U12 – Age Guide
• U13 – Age Guide

SLSNSW strives to provide the safest environment for all members participating in its activities and Search and Rescue documentation can be found here.

Thinking of hosting a Come and Try Nippers event? These sessions are a great way to introduce new families to surf lifesaving and showcase what your Club has to offer.

Before planning your event, please ensure you complete a Special Event Application Form through Surf Life Saving NSW. This form is required for any organised Come and Try Nippers event and helps ensure all activities are conducted safely and in line with SLSNSW requirements.

For guidance on running your event, Clubs can refer to the Come and Try Supporting Guide linked below, which outlines key steps including event planning, participant management and safety considerations.

Come and Try Nippers Supporting Guide

Come and Try Nippers Flyer

Come and Try Nippers Flyer (no sponsor)

The Club Junior Activity Pre Season PPT Template is a guide for JACs to share and engage with their Junior Activity teams prior to season start. It can be updated and amended to suit your club.

This link will provide access to the Junior Preliminary Evaluations template for swim coaches document.

The water safety supervisor plays a key role in keeping nippers safe during water activities. You can access the Water Safety Supervisor Position Description here.